What are the symptoms of STDs?

It is important to know your body and be able to recognize any changes happening to your body. It’s also important to understand that not all STD’s have symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms and may indicate an STD: foul or fishy odor pain or burning during intercourse and/or urination Unusual vaginal or penile discharge Itching and/or irritation in areas where sexual contact has occurred Rash, redness, sores or warts in areas where sexual contact has occurred

How often should I be tested for STDs?

Patients should be tested for STDs if they are sexually active with a person in which they are not in a mutually monogamous relationship where both parties have tested negative for all STDs. At First Care, we provide free full-panel testing every 6 months for patients.

What happens if I test positive for a STD?

If you test positive for an STD, First Care is a great place to process the diagnosis. Some STDs are bacterial meaning they are treated with antibiotics, and then it goes away. Others are viral meaning that once the diagnosis has been made, there is no treatment for the virus. First Care can walk anyone through a positive diagnosis, provide support, treatment, and referral process to another organization if needed.

What STDs do you test for? How are tests performed?

The following tests are available at First Care Pregnancy Center: HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes, Trichomoniasis, HPV, Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing is available for female clients. Female clients will be offered a pelvic exam/pap test appointment with a provider, as available. HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing is available for male clients. Tests are performed via urine, swabs, and a blood draw depending on the test.

How do I know if I'm pregnant?

It is possible to become pregnant even if you are using some form of birth control when you are sexually active. The most common symptom is a missed period. If you are sexually active and have a missed your period, please schedule a lab-quality pregnancy test at any of our locations.

What if I don't know what to do with my pregnancy?

Many women come to us because they are unsure of what to do. Our professional staff are available to help you think through all possible options. This is your decision, but you are not alone. We will listen and offer resources so you think through all the necessary steps to make an informed confident decision.

How soon can I take a pregnancy test?

At First Care, our lab quality urine pregnancy tests are over 99% accurate if you are 7-10 days from the date of conception or 1 day following your missed period. We recommend urine pregnancy testing within this time frame.

If I had a negative test at home, could I still be pregnant?

Yes, false negative pregnancy tests are very possible if a patient takes a urine test too early. At First Care, our lab quality urine pregnancy tests are over 99% accurate if you are 7-10 days from the date of conception or 1 day following your missed period. We recommend urine pregnancy testing within this time frame.

When should I get an ultrasound?

Any client that has received a free positive pregnancy test may call to schedule an ultrasound at any one of our locations. The ultrasound will help determine: Gestational age (how far along you are) Viability (pregnancy is in the uterus and a fetal heartbeat is detected) Single vs. multiple pregnancy (ex. twins) If our licensed medical team see anything that’s of concern during your ultrasound, they will instruct you to seek appropriate medical attention. Additionally, all of our ultrasounds are also reviewed by our Center’s Medical Director.

Is ultrasound harmful to me or my baby?

No, ultrasound utilizes high frequency sound waves, and there are no known harmful effects in the 40 years of clinical use. The possibility always exists that effects may be identified in the future.

How long do I have to change my mind about the adoption?

You can change your mind about placing your child until your signed consents to the adoption become final. In Minnesota, consents are signed between 72 hours and 60 days after birth. Once signed, there is a 10 business day period until the consent is final.

What does open adoption mean?

Open adoption is a very broad term, and can include many variables. At New Life Adoptions, we use the term open adoption to mean that you have the opportunity to choose a prospective adoptive family, meet with that family before and after the birth of your child, and maintain contact with the child and the adoptive family throughout your lifetime. Each open adoption is unique, and how you ultimately decide to stay in touch is up to you. At New Life Adoptions, your Expectant Parent Social Worker can assist you in deciding what level of openness is right for you.

Can I choose the family for my child?

Yes! We will talk with you about your preferences for an adoptive family and will help you through the process of selecting a family that is right for you and your child.

Do you have adoptive families?

As a licensed adoption agency, we have many families who are ready to adopt. We help you through the process of selecting on a family that is right for you and your child. Or if you know a family already, we can work with them in most cases.

Can I have contact with my child after the adoption?

Yes! You and the family you choose will create an openness plan together that defines the amount of contact you will have with each other. Openness in adoption may include texts, letters, pictures and visits.

Does the birth father have to be involved in the adoption?

In Minnesota, a birth father does not legally need to be involved unless he is married to the birth mother or has earned the right to notice of the adoption. We will talk through your unique situation and can meet with both of you together or separately, depending on your preference. We will assist you with the legal steps to complete a secure adoption.

What is the Abortion Pill and How Does it Work to End a Pregnancy?

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is a chemical procedure that utilizes two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol. The first pill, Mifepristone, is administered to end the body’s natural production of the pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Progesterone provides the pregnancy with nourishment and support and without it, the pregnancy will end. Once the pregnancy ends, Misoprostol is used to force contractions, which will push the pregnancy tissue from the body.

Who is Eligible for the Abortion Pill?

In order for the pill to be effective, it must be taken within the first 70 days of pregnancy. After that point, your pregnancy may be too developed and this could lead to an incomplete abortion and retained fetal tissue, which may require an emergency surgical abortion procedure. Before you schedule an appointment for an abortion, it’s vital to confirm the gestational age of your pregnancy through an ultrasound scan. Your ultrasound scan will tell you how far along you are, where your pregnancy is located, and whether there are any health concerns that need to be addressed, such as an ectopic pregnancy.

Where Does a Medical Abortion Take Place?

Mifepristone is typically administered at a doctor’s office or abortion provider location; however, Misoprostol, the second medication, is taken at home between 24-48 hours later. This means that the pregnancy is typically expelled at home.

Does the Abortion Pill Have Side Effects?

Yes — it is normal to experience side effects when taking the abortion pill. The abortion pill process involves bleeding and cramping as the body contracts and expels the pregnancy tissue. In fact, it may be cause for concern if the pill does not cause bleeding and cramping, as this can mean the pregnancy is not properly exiting the uterus. Additionally, women also experience side effects such as vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills, diarrhea, weakness, and fatigue.

Does the Abortion Pill Come With Severe Health Risks?

Yes — the abortion pill can be associated with severe health risks, including sepsis, infection, and hemorrhaging.

What’s the Difference Between Plan B and the Abortion Pill?

Are you experiencing some early pregnancy symptoms? A late period, tender breasts, and nausea can all be signs. If your pregnancy was totally unexpected, you may be thinking about either Plan B or the abortion pill. Is there a difference? Plan B vs. the Abortion Pill Plan B Plan B is also known as the “morning-after” pill. It is considered an emergency contraceptive, but should never be used as a regular form of contraception. Plan B works to delay or prevent ovulation and fertilization. However, it’s not effective if an egg has already been fertilized. According to the National Institute of Health, the morning-after pill doesn’t stop pregnancy if it’s taken on the day of ovulation or after ovulation. Since the actual date of ovulation is difficult to determine, there’s no guarantee that Plan B will work. Plan B may not be effective if you’re overweight or obese, allergic to any of its ingredients or taking certain other medications. Abortion Pill The abortion pill is a medication method of abortion. It isn’t just one pill. The process actually uses two very powerful drugs, mifepristone, and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, works to block a hormone called progesterone. This drug causes the uterine lining to thin and prevents the embryo from implanting and growing. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina. This abortion method can only be used up to the 10th week of pregnancy.

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests are very simple to take. They indicate if you’re pregnant by determining the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. HCG is only present when you’re pregnant, so it’s called the pregnancy hormone. Some pregnancy tests might go about testing through urine, while others look for the pregnancy hormone in your blood. More commonly, a simple urine pregnancy test is done. The best way to get accurate pregnancy test results is by waiting at least one day after your missed period. Waiting a bit after your missed period allows your body to produce a detectable amount of hCG.

What Is the Difference Between a Blood and Urine Pregnancy Test?

Are you experiencing a missed period, nausea, frequent urination, or moodiness? These are common symptoms that may point to pregnancy. Maybe you’re wondering what kind of pregnancy test to take. The main difference between a blood and urine pregnancy test is how they are done and where.

What are the Risks of Abortion?

December 1, 2021 Abortion

If you’re considering abortion for your unexpected pregnancy, you deserve to know the truth about what to expect. Did you know there are definite side effects and several potential risks with each abortion method? Don’t choose this serious medical procedure without the facts. Here’s what medical experts have to say.

What are the Types of Abortion?

There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical. Which method you qualify for is determined by how far along your pregnancy is. Medical abortion is performed if you’ve been pregnant for 10 weeks or less. If the gestational age is longer than 10 weeks, you’ll have an in-clinic surgical abortion.

Medical Abortion

You may have heard about one method of medical abortion called the abortion pill. Contrary to its name, the abortion pill isn’t just one pill and it’s over. You actually take a series of powerful drugs over 24 to 48 hours.

The Mayo Clinic says, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.”

Side Effects and Potential Risks of Medical Abortion

Here’s a list provided by the Mayo Clinic of side effects and potential risks:

Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
A viable pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever, especially serious if longer than 24 hours
Digestive system discomfort
Abdominal cramping

Surgical Abortion

Once again, depending on how far along your pregnancy is determines the type of surgical procedure you’ll have. The procedures are more invasive the longer you’ve been pregnant.

Dilation and Curettage (D & C)

The Mayo Clinic provides detailed medical information on the side effects and risks of a D & C. This procedure begins after you’ve received general anesthesia. Afterward, your cervix is dilated (opened). Then, a surgical instrument called a curette is inserted into the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Curettes can be sharp or use suction (vacuum aspiration).

Side Effects and Potential Risks of This Type of Surgical Abortion

According to the Mayo Clinic, the side effects are fairly easy. They indicate you’ll feel mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding. However, they also list:

Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
Fever
Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
Pain that gets worse instead of better
Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

In addition, surgical abortions run the risk of:

Perforation of the uterus
Damage to the cervix
Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Infection

You’ll also notice that the Mayo Clinic mentions abortion as having “emotional and psychological consequences” too. For some women, their emotional struggles after an abortion are devastating.

Let Us Assist You

At First Care, we can confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality urine test at no cost to you. In addition, we offer free limited ultrasounds. Before scheduling an abortion, you need to know how far along you are if your pregnancy is growing, and where it’s located in your body.

We have four convenient locations that offer free and confidential pregnancy services. You deserve to know the facts and have your questions answered. Contact us today and let’s start the conversation.